People can't get enough of these birds. I know I know! I'm the same way. I have to take a picture of them everytime I see them! In fact, I have about a gazillion photos of these birds so I thought I'd try getting them in flight. Not so easy but they are predictable as they fly in a circle capturing bugs.
I spotted the female first in the Mesquite tree. But then I noticed her red mate nearby. Both are beautiful flycatchers.
Did you know?
In winter, Tucson has the highest count of Vermilion flycatchers in the US? I always spot them early early in the morning right away. I could be looking for the rarest bird in the world and this bird holds me up for just a lingering glance:)
Most Tucsonans will go for walks around our parks and glance this bird. One day, I was with a group of birders who watched the flycatcher have some fun. An excited person came up to us and said, "You look like birders. What is that cool looking red bird over there?" Vermilion Flycatcher.
For some reason, I never see them at Sweetwater which is weird to me. But the best places to spot them are at Reid Park, Kennedy Park, Columbus Park, Lakeside Park, Ft. Lowell park. Or any parks with water:) Look near fence lines, tops of trees, and nearby water sources. I even spotted several at a cemetery! They perch out in the open for bugs, zip in a circle and return back to their spot.
Wherever there are many bugs, there are Vermilion Flycatchers. Many times they will be in pairs.
Sometimes they are curious and will fly right next to you.....if you're lucky:) More tomorrow....
Posts
Knowing their habits really helps you get these spectacular shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a BEAUTIFUL bird Chris..... good photo's.
ReplyDeleteGtreetings, Joop
Its great that they are beautiful and perform a very useful task of reducing the population of these pesky flies.
ReplyDeleteThey are one of my favorites. So pretty! Great flight shots, Chris! Have a wonderful day and Happy birding!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful birds. I love Flycatchers. Over here we get two as Summer visitors - Pied and Spotted.
ReplyDeleteHow I would love to see them here! They are such beautiful little birds. Fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteNeat shots Chris!
ReplyDeleteLast weekend I saw 3 Vermillions for the first time in several months. It was a refreshing reminder of how beautiful, truly spectacular, these birds really are, as was your post :)
Wow, beautiful shots! I've never seen vermilions at Sabino, but I have seen them at nearby schools and also at Lincoln and Reid Parks. They seem to like places that have chain link fences. I can never get pictures of them as clear as you can.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful bird. Nice shots Chris!
ReplyDeletegreat bird
ReplyDeleteboy, you are good
ReplyDeleteMieszkasz prawie w ptasim raju. Tyle pięknych ptaków można zobaczyć. Z radością na nie patrze. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteAlmost live bird of paradise. So many beautiful birds can be seen. We are happy to look at them. Yours.
gorgeous little things! i'd be thrilled to spot one!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous birds, Chris. We are enjoying the beach in beautiful Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. I will think of you today at 12 minutes and 12 seconds after 12 noon on 12/12/11.... Unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy
Love these bright red little birds! First time I saw one was at Lake Patagonia with Kathie.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have these little birds here. I would so much love to see and photograph one.
ReplyDeleteHow cool these beautiful birds are! I really love their circular bug bombing ways, but their coloring is awesome too! I love orange!!!
ReplyDeleteQue belleza de pajarito.. I love!!!.. :-)))
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteVery nice shotss!! Great to see the beautiful bird with amazing warm colors.
Greetings, Marco
I only get to enjoy these birds when I come to your blog! Great action shots, Chris!!
ReplyDeleteMust be a treat to see those beautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Chris! She is such a LOVELY bird, and you have captured her perfectly!
ReplyDelete